Stay informed with our weekly roundup of top 10 key happenings in tech, cyber and geopolitics. Discover the most significant developments, trends and breakthroughs shaping the industry, all in one concise update. The card image tiles are designed for easy recognition of the category to which the news belongs.
Two Estonian Nationals Plead Guilty in $577M Cryptocurrency Fraud Scheme
Estonian nationals Sergei Potapenko and Ivan Turõgin pleaded guilty to running a $577 million cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme via HashFlare. They faked mining profits, defrauding global investors. Ordered to forfeit $400 million in assets, they face up to 20 years in prison. The FBI led the investigation, with support from Estonian authorities. Sentencing is set for May 8.
Read moreFederal Indictment in Chicago Charges Two Chinese Companies and Four Individuals With Conspiring To Unlawfully Possess Trade Secrets
Two Chinese companies and former Philips Medical Systems employees were indicted for stealing Philips X-ray trade secrets. Kunshan GuoLi and exec Xiaoqin Du allegedly recruited engineers to develop rival X-ray tubes using stolen data. Three defendants pleaded not guilty, while Du faces an arrest warrant. A status report is due by March 31, 2025.
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Threat Actors Exploit ClickFix to Deploy NetSupport RAT in Latest Cyber Attacks
Threat actors are exploiting the ClickFix technique to deliver NetSupport RAT, a remote access trojan granting full control over infected devices. Attackers use fake CAPTCHAs to trick users into executing PowerShell commands that download the malware. Additionally, ClickFix is distributing an updated Lumma Stealer, which employs ChaCha20 encryption to evade detection.
Read moreMicrosoft: Russian-Linked Hackers Using Device Code Phishing to Hijack Accounts
Microsoft warns of Storm-2372, a Russian-aligned threat cluster using device code phishing to hijack Microsoft 365 accounts. Attackers impersonate officials on messaging apps, tricking victims into entering malicious codes for authentication. They then steal sensitive data and move laterally in networks. Multiple Russian groups, including APT29, are executing similar attacks against global organizations.
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Amazon Killing a Feature That Let You Download and Backup Kindle Books
Amazon will remove the “Download & Transfer via USB” option for Kindle books on February 26, 2025. This feature allowed users to store offline backups and convert books to non-Kindle formats. The change limits access to Wi-Fi-enabled devices, raising concerns over digital ownership and DRM restrictions. Users can still manually transfer files using apps like Calibre.
Read moreThe Vision Pro NBA App Turns Some Games Into a Miniature 3D Diorama
The NBA new Vision Pro AR feature, Tabletop, renders a floating basketball court with live digital avatars during select games. Available for NBA League Pass users, it tracks real-time player movements and even works for local games with only audio feeds. The feature, still in alpha, offers a polished mixed-reality experience for immersive sports viewing.
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Smart Machines 2035: Addressing Challenges and Driving Growth
The UK Smart Machines 2035 Strategy, led by the Robotics Growth Partnership, outlines a plan to drive economic growth and innovation through robotics. Smart machines could boost UK GVA to £150 billion by 2035. Key goals include fostering innovation, regulatory support, and investment in AI-driven automation to enhance productivity, sustainability, and national security.
Read moreMicrosoft and Anduril Partner to Salvage Military AR Project
Anduril is taking over the troubled IVAS military AR project from Microsoft, assuming responsibility for hardware development and production. Microsoft will shift to cloud and AI support via Azure. IVAS faced delays, hardware issues, and funding cuts, but Anduril aims to revamp it with advanced AI-driven situational awareness. The partnership success could redefine AR in modern warfare.
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Could Türkiye Lead a Ukraine Peacekeeping Force?
Türkiye, with NATO second-largest military, could lead a Ukraine peacekeeping force amid stalled negotiations. Given Russia rejection of Western-led troops, neutral ex-Soviet states like Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan may contribute. A 40,000-strong force is needed, posing logistical and financial challenges. If successful, Türkiye leadership could bolster international legitimacy and redefine regional peacekeeping dynamics.
Read moreTrump 2.0 & Iran: Same Pressure, Different Middle East
As Trump resumes office, his Middle East policy tightens against Iran, reinforcing sanctions and backing Israel with $7.4 billion in arms. With rising tensions, Iran accelerates uranium enrichment, while Trump administration re-designates the Houthis as terrorists. The U.S.-Israel alliance tilts regional power, escalating conflicts and limiting diplomatic options with Tehran. A broader regional war looms.
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